A court has been unable to stop a Co Tyrone pensioner using a mobility scooter despite being found drunk on one - because a licence is not required.
Eugene Charles Brennan (70), of Fairmount Park in Dungannon, admitted driving his scooter whilst drunk on November 8 last year.
A police patrol approached him in the George Street area of the town after he appeared to have poor control on the road.
While in custody he provided a breath sample which returned a reading of 50mcg of alcohol - 15mcg in excess of the legal limit.
He admitted the offence, and an additional count of resisting police was withdrawn.
Brennan was due to be sentenced at Dungannon Magistrates Court last week but failed to appear, resulting in a bench warrant being issued.
He presented himself to court today, using his mobility scooter, and was permitted to remain outside the dock.
A defence solicitor said her client suffers from ill-health and is very reliant on his scooter, which his only method of socialising.
District Judge John Meehan said: "There is a 10-year disqualification on record after a long record of multiple episodes of drink-driving.”
He enquired if the court could impose a disqualification on using the mobility scooter but while the prosecution said it was a mechanically propelled vehicle, it did not require a driving licence and so any ban would not be applicable.
Judge Meehan said: “The court therefore cannot stop him from repeating his offending behaviour.”
Brennan was fined £200 and disqualified driving any vehicle requiring a licence for five years.
